Fixing My Mind, Thinking With A Purpose: 

Whatever You Think You Become (Part 9)

Delivered by Trennie L. Williams

Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church

Sunday, November 12, 2017
Philippians 4:8

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].


“…whatever is commendable (of good report)….”
What Is On Your Report Card?

Is Your Report Good? Or Is It Questionable?
For most of our lives, we have been graded based on our performance and conduct. What begins in grade school continues into the workplace, being evaluated during annual reviews. The results of the report determines how we are promoted to larger positions and higher pay rates.
God has a way of promoting us as well. His blessings overflow when we rate high in actions according to His will. The fullness of blessings are blocked when we are not thinking and acting as the Lord would have us. There are consequences, whether good or bad. 
Instead of focusing on selfish ambitions, your goal should be to do what is commendable

(“kind and winsome and gracious”). 
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

1. The Holy Spirit is needed to do and recognize commendable things.

a. Do not quench the Spirit. If so, you quench your blessings, benefits, etc.

2. Prophecy has been good since the beginning of time.

a. By knowing what is to come, you pursue the ultimate opportunity to be in Heaven.

3. Test everything.

a. Like a diagnostic check for your automobile, you must test everything to make sure life is operating properly.

4. Hold on to good things.

a. Let go of the bad things. What is its use other than to hinder you from greatness. Give goodness its due respect and dignity.

5. Keep away from every evil thing.

a. Evil has no use in your life. Abstain from crookedness. Draw back from evilness, regardless of its capacity.

6. Be sanctified.

a. Be separated from profane things. Allow the Lord to purify, consecrate and preserve your spirit, soul and body. 
And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). (1 Thessalonians 5:2)